Franklinton's Idea Foundry

A former warehouse in Franklinton will become the new home of the Columbus Idea Foundry by
April.

City and community leaders and residents gathered this morning inside the 60,000-square-foot
building at 421 W. State St. for a ceremony to kick off the work.

The Franklinton Development Association received a $350,000 grant from ArtPlace America to
renovate the building for the Columbus Idea Foundry, a for-profit incubator where people buy a
membership to use metalworking, welding and engraving tools.

Jim Sweeney, the development association's executive director, said his group will raise money
for a second phase that includes studio and event space.